First Call: Browns player hopes Steelers start Mason Rudolph, AFC playoff picture is tight

In Monday’s “First Call,” we take a look at the AFC Wild Card race. A Cleveland Brown taunts Mason Rudolph. An ugly hockey injury. And a heartwarming football moment.

Sassy Sheldon

Browns defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson wants to see the Steelers start Mason Rudolph next week when the teams play at Heinz Field.

And, no, it’s not because he wants some sort of revenge on the Steelers quarterback.

He just thinks Rudolph stinks.

Sheldon Richardson really hopes Mason Rudolph plays next week against the #Browns ?? pic.twitter.com/NnxvpY7Yk5

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 24, 2019

Rudolph threw four interceptions two weeks ago in Cleveland.

So how does it look?

Here’s the playoff picture for the AFC Wild Card race.

It’s getting interesting.

The Buffalo Bills hold the top wild-card spot at 8-3. They visit the Dallas Cowboys next week.

The Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and Oakland Raiders are all 6-5. The Steelers currently hold the tiebreaker advantage there.

The Browns are a game off that pace at 5-6. They come to Heinz Field on Sunday afternoon.

The Titans visit Indianapolis next week and Oakland the week after that.

So not only is the wild-card race tight, a lot of the teams are playing each other in the weeks to come.

How quickly can he get to Pittsburgh?

An interview New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did with Fox’s Erin Andrews is making news.

Speaking to Erin Andrews on Fox, Tom Brady was asked if he could ever see himself playing in another uniform/for another team. His response: "The reality is there is no prediction. I have always said I have a plan to play longer and I will figure that out when the time comes.”

— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) November 24, 2019

Tom, how would you feel about wearing Black and Gold, and can you be here by next week by any chance?

Brady was also asked if he enjoys the idea of proving people wrong when they say he can’t keep playing at a high level.

“I definitely think there’s an inspirational element to that,” Brady said. “There were challenges when I was young. There are challenges now. I think just understanding what those are and whether you want to face them, or overcome them, or take them on, those are healthy things and healthy decisions to have. When the time’s right, I’ll make a decision.”

Big Bill

Keep an eye out for this guy at Heinz Field in a few weeks.

How could you miss him?

His Bills — with quarterback Josh Allen — beat the Denver Broncos 20-3 yesterday. Their quarterback is Brandon Allen.

Yep. This is happening here today. #Bills pic.twitter.com/OlBxgclO8W

— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) November 24, 2019

That man’s stomach is right!

Buffalo’s Allen was 15-for-25 for 185 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Meanwhile Denver’s Allen was an ugly 10-for-25 for 82 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.

Maybe the Steelers can re-sign Brian or Cortez Allen so that he can keep his gut painted when the Bills come to town on Dec. 15.

Is there a dentist in the house?

Streak intact.

Mouth? Not so much.

Florida Panthers defenseman Keith Yandle got hit in the face with a puck during a game against the Carolina Hurricanes this weekend.

And it wasn’t pretty.

#ICYMI
Here's how Keith Yandle lost 9 teeth last night. pic.twitter.com/Rcc68BdoYD

— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) November 24, 2019

Yandle ended up losing nine teeth.

That didn’t derail his ironman streak for most consecutive regular-season games played, though. Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres was his 821st straight. That’s the longest active run. It’s fifth all-time in NHL history.

One more snap

A heartfelt gesture at Youngstown State got some national attention.

Penguins redshirt senior quarterback Nathan Mays suffered a season-ending leg injury three weeks ago.

But he didn’t want his season to end without taking one more snap. So with time winding down and a 21-3 Youngstown State lead over Illinois State on the board, the Penguins called timeout so that Mays could kneel out one last play.

This is awesome

Nathan Mays, who suffered a season-ending injury earlier this year, was carried onto the field for the final snap of his career. pic.twitter.com/J28xY2jdsH

— ESPN (@espn) November 24, 2019

Mays finished with 13 touchdown passes in 10 games this season. He also rushed for six scores. He threw 20 touchdown passes in his career.